Indulge In {Kentucky Hot Browns}

I've posted a lot this week about my wedding from last weekend. I just can't help it. The whole day was full of sweet personal southern touches that really took the day to the next level including the menu. Both the bride and groom (and the majority of their families) are from Kentucky, so they wanted to include a little bit of home and a Kentucky favorite into their fare. Personally, I had never heard of a hot brown before, but let me tell you, I will never forget it. This Bluegrass State staple is going into my party appetizer rotation immediately. I may even make some for the FSU home opener this weekend. Not only are they delicious, they are simple to make only requiring 6 ingredients. Enjoy them hot or cold, by yourself or with a large crowd. Either way, you can't go wrong. Here's the recipe adapted from Southern Living....

:: Ingredients (Makes 6) ::
3 Sister Shubert Rolls
6 oz Sliced Turkey
3 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
6 Slices of Roma Tomatoes
3 Slices of Bacon
Mornay Sauce

:: Directions ::
1. Slice Sister Shubert Rolls in half placing face up on a lined baking sheet.
2. Place in over 6" from broiler and broil until slightly golden, 1-2 minutes.
3. Top roll with 1 oz sliced turkey, spoonful of Mornay sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of parmesan cheese and return to broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from oven top with 1 slice of Roma tomato and 1/2 slice of bacon. Serve and enjoy!

*Image courtesy of Southern Living

Indulge In {Modern Club Sandwich}

Picnic week continues today with the ultimate picnic snack...the sandwich. Some may opt for fancier fare, but I much prefer the traditional. Even as a kid, I used to love taking my sandwich down to the park and eating it outside. Back then it was peanut butter and jelly, now a days, a modern day club. Loaded with oven roasted turkey, fresh sliced avocado, crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, melted white cheddar, and avocado mayo, it's filling, fresh, and delicious. Here's my recipe for the perfect modern club!

:: Ingredients ::
1/2 Pound Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey
Sliced White Cheddar
1/2 Avocado, sliced plus 1/4 Avocado
3/4 Cup Mayo
4 Slices Cooked Bacon
Shredded Lettuce
White Baguette

:: Directions ::
1. Combine 1/4 avocado and mayo in food processor. Pulse till smooth and well combined.
2. Slice baguette in half. Adorn with melted cheddar. Place in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
3. Spread mayo on cheesy bread. Layer with turkey, avocado slices, bacon, and shredded lettuce. Enjoy!

Indulge In {Breakfast Pizza}

Pizza for breakfast? I think yes! This is nothing like your left over pizza from the night before though. Try a traditional breakfast a top warm, soft pizza dough. Sounds delicious right? I've been searching for a breakfast recipe for months to add into my rotation. During the week, I don't get a lot of time for breakfast and usually end up grabbing whatever I can as I run out the door. Therefore, on the weekends, I like to take my time and make something savory to indulge in while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Feeling a little exhausted with my traditional frittata I believe I'm going to mix it up this weekend with this breakfast pizza. Here's the recipe from Smitten Kitchen so you can try it too!

:: Ingredients ::

1/2 teaspoon dry active yeast
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour, plus more for dusting
Kosher salt
6 strips bacon
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups grated mozzarella
6 large eggs
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 shallot, minced


The night before, prepare the dough: Place 3/4 cup lukewarm water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Sprinkle in the yeast, stir and let sit for 5 minutes. Add the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt and mix on low for 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes, then increase the speed to high and mix until a smooth dough forms, about 2 minutes more. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide into two equal pieces and form each half into a tight ball. Place on a large floured sheet pan, place the pan in a plastic garbage bag, tie the bag loosely and refrigerate overnight.
One to two hours* before baking, place the dough in a warm spot. Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and set a pizza stone on it. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees 30 minutes before you are ready to bake the pizza.


Prepare the dough and toppings: Fry the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until crisp. Cool on a paper-towel-lined plate; roughly chop.
Dip your hands and a ball of dough into the flour. On a lightly floured countertop, pat the dough into a disc with your fingertips, then drape the dough over your fists and carefully stretch it from beneath to form a 12-inch circle.
Generously dust the surface of a pizza peel or large inverted sheet pan with flour and place the stretched dough on it. Sprinkle the dough with half of the Parmesan, mozzarella and bacon. Crack 3 eggs over the top and season with salt and pepper.


Bake the pizza: Shake the pizza peel slightly to make sure the dough is not sticking. Carefully lift any sections that are sticking and sprinkle a bit more flour underneath, then slide the pizza directly onto the baking stone in one quick forward-and-back motion. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating after 5 minutes. When the crust is golden, the cheese is melted and the egg yolks are cooked, use the peel to transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Sprinkle half of the parsley, chives, scallions and shallot on top. Let cool for 2 minutes, slice and serve immediately. Prepare the second pizza in the same way.

Delightful Dining {Bacon Pancakes}

Uh huh. That's right. Bacon IN your pancake. I mean holy deliciousness. It seems like such a crazy thought. But think about it. If you are anything like me, you dip your bacon in syrup. And naturally, you dip your pancakes in syrup. So why wouldn't you put the bacon in the pancake and dip them both in syrup? Together. Okay, so if you aren't already convinced, allow me to persuade you. 

Pancake: nice texture, subtle sweetness, soft, melt in your mouth

Bacon: crunchy, salty, delicious

Syrup: sweet, goes good with pancakes and bacon

My suggestion to you, try this asap. R and his brother were so skeptical and I'm pretty sure thought I was crazy...Until they ate it.  Okay so here's how it works....

{1} Fry the bacon

{2} Mix the pancake mix (I use Bisquik because well I use Bisquik for everything.)

{3} Place the bacon on the griddle, pour the pancake mix over it, and cook till done. 

{4} Smother in syrup and enjoy!